Matthew 20

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Matthew 20:9-16, The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

The Kingdom of God turns things upside down.  In this parable, we see Jesus emphasizing this truth.  The bottom line, whether you worked all day or just for an hour, God acts with grace toward all people.  If we are “good people” our whole lives, that doesn’t earn us a place in heaven.  None of us are good enough; we are all sinners (Romans 3:23).  We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.  And whether we have believed in Jesus since we were 5 years old or 95 years old, we are given the same offer of grace.  We are all in the same boat. God won’t be passing out MVP trophies.  Rather than complaining that it isn’t fair, let’s rejoice that Jesus has offered us grace at all.  Let’s be real - none of us are worthy. 

Let’s pray…Jesus, We give you all the glory, honor, and praise.  Thank you for loving us enough to save us from ourselves.  Help us be even but a small reflection of your amazing grace.  In Your Name, Amen.